Man pleads guilty to conspiracy to export computers, services to Iran

TAMPA, Fla. — A Seattle, Wash., businessman and his company Tallyho Peripherals Inc., which conducts business as Enterprise Solutions Systems, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement.

According to the plea agreement, from approximately 2009 to September 2012, John Alexander Talley, 42, and his company conspired with others to unlawfully export sophisticated enterprise-level computer equipment from the United States to Iran. They also provided computer information technology support services for the equipment, violating the U.S. embargo against Iran.

Talley provided training and computer information technology support to ensure the computer equipment operated in Iran. In an effort to conceal their activities, the conspirators in the United States caused shipments of the computers and related equipment, as well as the payments for the equipment, to travel to and from the United States and Iran through the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, payments for Talley's support services were transmitted through the United Arab Emirates.

"The magnitude and scope of the threats facing the United States has never been greater than today, and that's why Homeland Security Investigations investigates individuals who try to export sensitive technologies to embargoed nations," said Sue McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. "HSI and our partners at the Department of Commerce take pride in protecting our country, and today's guilty plea is the latest example of our effective investigative efforts."

"Today's guilty plea is another step to dismantle a complex diversion scheme to illegally divert U.S.-origin technology through the United Arab Emirates to Iran. We will continue to pursue those who present a threat to our national security and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law," said Robert Luzzi, special agent in charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement in Miami.

Talley faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

On Sept. 12, two Iranian nationals – Mahmood Akbari (aka John Wassermann) and Reza Hajigholamali – and three United Arab Emirates "front" companies, Patco Group Ltd., Managed Systems and Services (FZC), and TGO General Trading LLC aka Three Green Orbit, were indicted in connection with the same conspiracy. Those parties are charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations. They are also charged with conspiracy to commit international money laundering. If convicted, Akbari and Hajigholamali each face up to 40 years in federal prison.

On July 11, 2012, co-conspirator Mohammad Reza "Ray" Hajian and three of his companies, RH International LLC, Nexiant LLC and P & P Computers LLC pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations. On Oct.18, 2012, Hajian was sentenced to four years in federal prison.